Technology veteran Manish Chawda will lead the technology risk and cyber security advisory services to capture untapped opportunities in Singapore and the Asia Pacific region.

Grant Thornton Singapore today announced the appointment of Manish Chawda as partner to lead its newly created technology risk and cyber security advisory services, a significant move as the firm solidifies its presence in Singapore, and the region. In his role, Manish will be responsible for advising clients on strategic and tactical solutions for information security, cyber security, governance, risk and compliance.

With over 20 years of experience in developing innovative technical solutions, Manish has provided strategic advice and support to many large organisations, government agencies and international law enforcement agencies to address complex technology and cyber security-related business issues. Manish is an active participant on industry and regulatory forums, giving expertise and advice to set guidelines and standards for technology and outsourced service providers.

Manish joins Grant Thornton from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, where he led the Technology Risk practice in Singapore.

“Manish is an accomplished advisor in technology risk and cyber security, an area that is currently high on the agenda of many businesses and government agencies alike,” said Peter Allen, CEO, Grant Thornton Singapore. “Increasingly, preventing data loss, data theft and managing data security are becoming top priorities for our clients here, and there is a growing demand for advisory services in this space. I am confident that Manish’s expertise will be a valuable asset to extend Grant Thornton’s advisory services, and to help our clients be cyber-ready and prepared for regulatory changes. Moreover, I am pleased that Manish has joined us as it demonstrates our ability to attract high quality people in a crowded marketplace.”

“Technology is constantly reinventing the way our clients do business, presenting new opportunities as well as risks,” said Manish. “I look forward to working closely with our clients to overcome complex technology and cyber challenges so as to unlock the full potential of their businesses. Grant Thornton is a challenger brand that stands out for its unique business model and culture; these were key criteria in my decision to join the company and I am thrilled to be a part of the firm.”

Since its launch on 23 July 2015, Grant Thornton Singapore has seen a rapid expansion of 30% in its staff strength with new hires across audit, tax and advisory.